What an incredible ending to the 2025 Rally di Roma Capitale! The final day delivered everything fans could hope for: fierce battles, surprising twists, and a nail-biting finish.
The last day of the rally featured three demanding stages, each run twice: Guarcino–Altipiani, Canterano–Subiaco, and Jenne–Monastero. Drivers were on edge as they fought for every second.
Morning loop
The race for first place was particularly intense. In the opening stage of the day (SS8), Giandomenico Basso narrowed the gap to Andrea Crugnola, reducing it from 3.3 to 2.7 seconds. Basso continued his charge by winning SS9, briefly taking the overall lead by just 0.2 seconds. But Crugnola wasn’t ready to give up, he struck back on the next stage and regained the lead, this time with a 2.5-second advantage.
Behind them, the competition for third place was just as fierce. Miko Marczyk and Andrea Mabellini were locked in a close duel, with Mabellini ending the morning loop just 1.1 seconds behind the Polish driver.
Meanwhile, Simone Tempestini’s hopes to score some valuable points towards the Championship were dashed. After hitting an animal in SS8, damage to his radiator forced him to retire during SS9. Thankfully, he and his co-driver were unharmed.
Afternoon loop
The afternoon promised more drama, and it delivered. Crugnola seemed set to defend his lead, but a 2-minute delay at time control cost him dearly. The penalty added 20 seconds to his time, dropping him all the way to fifth place overall. Rallying reminds us one more time that winning is not just about being fast, drivers also have to follow strict rules off the stages.
With Crugnola out of contention for the win, the spotlight turned to the fight for second between Marczyk and Mabellini. In the penultimate stage (SS12), Mabellini delivered an exceptional performance, enough to leap into second place and secure his spot on the podium.
There was more misfortune as Roope Korhonen crashed out in SS12. Thankfully, his crew escaped without injury.
Power Stage
The Power Stage wrapped up the rally with tight margins once again:
- Marczyk – 4:00.2
- Daprà – +0.1
- Armstrong – +0.7
- Crugnola – +0.9
- Mabellini – +0.9
Top 3
🥇 Giandomenico Basso and Lorenzo Granai – 2:04:11.2
🥈 Andrea Mabellini and Virginia Lenzi – 2:04:14.9
🥉 Miko Marczyk and Szymon Gospodarczyk – 2:04:18.6
After an unforgettable weekend in Italy, all eyes now turn to the next round, Barum Czech Rally Zlín, happening from August 15 to 17.
Overall Championship Standings after Italy (rd. 5)
